Mixed Reactions: Asake’s ‘Emilokan’ Lyrics Spark Debate Over Political Messaging

Asake (Nigerian singer and rapper)

 Nigerian superstar Asake, widely known as Mr. Money, is currently facing a wave of online criticism following the release of his latest album, M$NEY. 

The mixed reactions centers on a specific lyric in the track "Amen" that many listeners have interpreted as a direct endorsement of President Bola Tinubu. While the song primarily explores themes of manifestation and the power of spoken words, the line, “Presido sope emi lokan, e dey win election,” has overshadowed the album's release. By directly referencing Tinubu’s famous “Emi Lokan” (It is my turn) campaign slogan and his subsequent victory, Asake has touched a nerve with a public currently grappling with record-high inflation and severe economic hardship.

The reaction on X, formerly Twitter, was swift and largely polarized. Many fans expressed deep disappointment, viewing the lyric as tone-deaf and out of touch with the struggles of everyday Nigerians. 

This frustration has even led to threats of a boycott, with some former supporters claiming they can no longer back an artist who appears to praise the political status quo. While some defenders argue that Asake was simply using a well-known cultural moment to illustrate the power of manifestation rather than making a political statement, the timing of the release has left the singer at the center of a heated national debate regarding the responsibility of artists in times of crisis.

@tazethegreat tweeted, “Why was Asake praising Tinubu in ‘Amen’? With the way the country is right now, that’s another reason the album flopped.”

As for @gmltony, he called for knocks on the Lungu Boy crooner by writing, “With everything wey dey happen for Nigeria, Asake still get mind praise Tinubu for him album. I no fit lie, that thing weak me. My guys don already talk say dem no go stream am again.”

@amara_views posted, “Some artistes really forget say na the same ordinary Nigerians struggling every day still dey stream their music and buy tickets. This one no sit well with many people.”

Conversely, some listeners maintained that the lyric was being misinterpreted and stripped of its original intent. Another perspective emerged from defenders who insisted the line was being unfairly scrutinized and taken out of context. On the other hand, some fans jumped to the singer's defense, arguing that the public was misreading the lyrics and overreacting to a misunderstood reference.

@JiddaGram tweeted, “He only used Tinubu as an example of speaking something into existence. People are overreacting honestly. The line no even sound like campaign or praise to me.”

@theonlysammie added, “Music listeners for this country too dey emotional sometimes. Not every mention of a politician means endorsement.”

Since its Friday debut, the 13-track album M$NEY has dominated online discourse, though the reference to Tinubu has quickly eclipsed other aspects of the project to become its most debated feature. While the album offers a full body of work, the specific nod to the President has emerged as the primary focal point for listeners and critics alike.